After directing live-action classics like Parasite and Snowpiercer, Oscar-winning filmmaker Bong Joon Ho is making his first animated feature film, titled Ally. The first image from Ally was released today and can be seen below.
Ally has been in development since 2019. Bong Joon Ho co-wrote the screenplay with Jason Yu (Sleep).
“At the heart of the story lies Ally, a curious and endearing piglet squid living in the uncharted depths of the South Pacific Ocean. She dreams of one day seeing the sun and becoming the star of a wildlife documentary,” according to the official plot synopsis.
“But when a mysterious aircraft sinks into the ocean, her peaceful world is suddenly thrown into danger. Alongside her colorful and loyal — yet unlikely — companions, Ally is thrust into an extraordinary journey that will take her all the way to the surface.”
“Inspired by remarkable real-life marine creatures, the film explores themes of friendship and courage, as encounters between humans and the creatures of the deep reshape both worlds. Set against visually stunning underwater worlds and epic action sequences, the film is a family adventure blending humour and emotion.”
Ally aims to be completed in the first half of 2027 and will receive a worldwide theatrical release that year.
Behind the scenes talent includes producer Seo Woo-sik (Mother, Okja), animation supervisor Jae Hyung Kim (Toy Story 4, Inside Out), supervising producer David Lipman (Shrek franchise) and production designer Marcin Jakubowski (Klaus).
DNEG (Inception, Dune) is “also onboard contributing expertise in high-end 3D animation,” according to the official press release.
CJ ENM, Penture Invest, and Pathé handle financing and distribution, while Barunson C&C oversees production.
Bong Joon Ho’s most recent film was Mickey 17, which IGN nominated as one of the Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy Films of 2025.
